Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), the United States’ first technological research university, and GlobalFoundries Inc. have announced a new strategic partnership to advance collaboration in semiconductor research, education, and workforce development.
This partnership builds on a longstanding relationship between the two institutions, reinforcing their shared commitment to semiconductor innovation and talent cultivation. Under the agreement, RPI and GlobalFoundries will implement new educational initiatives, joint research programs, and industry engagement opportunities aimed at preparing the next generation of leaders in the semiconductor industry.
As part of the partnership, GlobalFoundries has endowed two Dean’s Faculty Fellows in RPI’s School of Engineering to recognize outstanding mid-career faculty in semiconductor-related fields. The company has also supported students participating in RPI’s Community College Scholars Program, fostering early engagement in semiconductor education.
A key feature of the collaboration is an ongoing curriculum development initiative that integrates industry expertise into RPI’s Microelectronics Manufacturing courses. Led by GlobalFoundries professionals, the program includes guest lectures and site visits to manufacturing facilities, offering students real-world insights into semiconductor production. Now in its fourth year, the program has involved nearly 200 graduate and undergraduate students.
GlobalFoundries continues to serve as a major employer of RPI graduates, with over 150 alumni currently working at the company. Each year, RPI students are recruited for internships and full-time roles, strengthening the talent pipeline. The collaboration is further supported by RPI’s presence at the Albany NanoTech Complex, where both institutions maintain active research efforts, and through participation in GF’s University Partnership Program, which fosters academic-industry collaboration in chip design innovation.
As part of the formalized relationship, RPI has designated GlobalFoundries as a strategic university partner and integrated the company into its Industry Engagement Program (IEP). The partnership will be overseen by RPI’s Office of Strategic Alliances and Translation (OSAT), which coordinates corporate collaboration and research translation initiatives.
The roadmap for this strategic alliance includes plans to expand into joint faculty exchanges, advanced R&D initiatives, and enhanced academic-industrial alignment in semiconductor technologies.
Both organizations reaffirmed their shared vision of advancing semiconductor innovation and contributing to economic development in New York State and beyond through collaborative research, education, and workforce development.
Original – GlobalFoundries